Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.